One of the great benefits of reading this forum is learning from all of you.

Some while ago, Kayaking Bob showed how he used some line through a shear bolt hole to attach the brace to the aka. I made sure to do likewise and today, it saved my bacon.

Not paying proper attention, I failed to notice a big 'yellow' pontoon bouy, used to anchor lobster pots, and with no time for evasive action, it hit the front starboard aka with a mighty rattle, then hit the rear starboard aka before lurching away with me reaching out to try to stabilse the aka before I sensed a capsize. I managed to furl the sail and taske a closer look. The shear bolt did exactly as it was designed to do and Kayaking Bob's piece of line made sure that the brace did not disappear. I was able to disconnect the brace and keep it safely, retract the ama's and pedal home. Best of all, there is no damage to the A1.

Yet again, I marvel at the A1 and the many great users who share such helpful information. Reading here about other such occurences allowed me to understand what's likely to happen. That has proven invaluable.

I'm glad you acted on that advice, Upyaboya!As you may have read I didn't and lost a brace! Even though I was aware of the possibility of it happening from reading Bob's original post I had dismissed it as being unlikely and didn't get around to adding the loops. Fortunately I had added a spare brace to my emergency kit so I didn't lose any time on the water.I would recommend the loops as an essential upgrade. In fact I think Hobie should add them during assembly. The spare bolt on the brace is useless if the brace has sunk!A simple loop of bungee in place of the spare bolt is a better solution with the the spare bolt included separately.

Wish I could visualize what you guys are talking about. Someone snapped the bungee cord that keeps the aka inserted into the ama? So an extra line is tied to the black rings on opposite end of the amas and connected to the aka? I cant imagine an aka snapping off the bracket.

_________________New to PCs and this forum stuff. Had an original Outback and Classic. sold them both for the A.I.. Love the boat and especially this site... (if I can figure out how to use it)

Aledal,The aka brace has a shear bolt that is designed to break if you collide with something so that structural damage is avoided. Unfortunately once broken the brace can disconnect and sink.Check out this pic from Kayaking Bob:He has removed the spare bolt and threaded a loop through the brace and around the aka which stops the brace from falling in the water. It's a simple solution that works very well. Also see this post:viewtopic.php?f=44&t=11745

When I had my run in with the submerged bouy, the line attached to the aka saved me from losing the brace. Better still, if I had wanted to effect a repair while on the water it would have been very straightforward. As it was, I was close to the beach so I just furled in the sail and pedalled in.

By looping the line around the aka I managed not to have the brace end up at the bottom of the sea.

That's how it goes Bob which is such a simple and smart precaution thanks to Hawaii Bob. Store the nylon brace bolt you removed and it is complete. No chance of losing the brace should you hit something hard...Pirate